Electrical wiring system



May 5, 1925. l 1,536,748

E. E. ASHLEY, JR

ELECTRI CAL WIRING SYSTE M Filed Jan. 14. 1924 3 Sheets-Sheet l '11111111111111111114' d 7'? 7b W 1]/ 12 l A TTORNE Y.

May 5, 1925.

1,536,748- E. E. ASHLEY, JR

ELECTRICAL WIRING SYSTEM Filed Jan. 14, 1924 3 Sheets-Sheet v2 ,6- 6,0 6,6 INVENTOR.

@fw CO. @Mm @w mTToRA/EY.

May 5, 1925. 1,536,748

. E. E, ASHLEY; JR

ELECTRICAL WIRING SYSTEM Filed Jan. 14. 1924 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 f gli @La ,l ///////1 Q47 INVENTOR.

l BY @wwf {0M/Mij L ATTORNEY.

Patented Mayl 5, 1925.

UNITED STATES PATENT oarl'cE.

EDWARD E. ASHLEY, JB., Olli' NROTON, CONNECTICUT', ASSIGNOR T0 WALKER BMTHEBS, QF PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA, A CORPORATION F PENN- sxnvma.

Application med January 14, 1824. Serial No. 688,141.

To all it may concern.

Be it known that I, EDWARD E. Asrmnr, .l r., a citizen vof the United States, residing in Noroton, county of Fairfield, State of a Connecticut, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Electrical Wiring Systems, of which the following` is a specification.

My invention relates to a system of electrical wiring for oice .or other buildings,

connection of the electric lights, power def vices` telephone instruments, signals, etc.,

25 are disposed in a conduit or conduits, the main or supply and branch or consumption circuit conduits being,l `disposed either in the same plane in a wall or door, or preferably in dierent planes. andpreferably extend l transversely to each other at right angles or any other convenient or suitable' angle. the conduit or conduitsof the main or supply and consumption or branch circuits meeting. in a wall or door box structure in kdifferent planes or at dierent levels, where connections are eifected between the main or supply circuit conductors and the branchV or c Dnsumption circuit conductors.

Further in accordance with my, A'invention, I provide wall or floor box structure,

preferably in sections, providing in diferent planes or at diierentlevels passages or channels extending transversely to each other with suitable opening or openings betweenthe different sections or levels to permit connection ofmain and branch circuit conductors to each other within the box structure, the conduits of the -main and branch circuitsA communicating with the aforesaid passages or channels.

'.My invention resides in the system and apparatus of the character hereinafter described and claimed.

For 4an illustration of one of various ELECTRICAL WIRING SYSTEM.

7 HEISSUED forms m invention may take, reference is to be ha to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a vertical sectional view, partly in elevation, of a box structure and associated conduits embodying my invention. Fig. 2 is a vertical sectional view, artly in elevation, taken at right angles to gig. l. Fig. 3 is a vertical sectional'-view, artly in elevation, of a conduit with applie outlet structure.

Fig. 4 is a top plan view, on smaller scale, of the structure shown in Figs. l and 2, with the cover removed.

Fig. 5 is a top plan view of the structure shown in Fig. 4 with the parts surmounting 70 the upper box section removed.

6 is a top plan view of the lower box section.

Fig. 7 is a top plan view of the member Vsurmounting the upper box section. 5

Fig. 8 is a bottom plan view of the member shown in Fi 7.

Fig. 9 is a ottom plan view of the cover-holding rin which surmounts the member shown in i Y p Fig. 10 is a vertica sectional view, partly in elevation, of the yiloor box in position in a recess in a stratum o the door.

Fig. 11 isa fragmentary plan view of a system embodying m invention.

Referring1 to the rawings, the oor box comprises t e lower metallic section 1, preferablyl rectangular, surmounted by the u per or second metallic section 2, preferab y rectangular. The section l, shown in plan` in Figf, is open at its top and comprises the side walls 3, bottom 4, andthe parallel transversely extending l partition Walls 5 forming within the lower section or box 1 the arallel transversely extending passages or cy annels 6, `7 and 8.

In the example ..illustrated, there are pro-v` vided threel assages or channels 6, though it will be un erstood that a greater or lesser number may be employed, as occasion may ommunicating with the passage 6' is the metal or other conduit or pipe 9, suitably secured to the side walls 3, as by the nut 10 threaded on the conduit 9`on the exterior 1 of vthe box section 1, vandthe. conduit bushin 11 threaded upon the conduit on the in si e of the box section 1. Similarly, the conduits 12 and 13 communicate, respectively, with the passages or channels 7 and 8, and are similarly secured to the walls 3 ofthe box section 1. The upper box or box section 2 has the side walls 14 and bottom 15, the latter resting upon the upper edge of the box section 1, the downwardly depending flange 16 on the section 2 embracing or receiving the upper end of the box section 1. The partition Walls 17 extend transversely ofthe box section 2, dividing it into the three channels 'or passages 18, 19 and 20, the walls 17 and the passages 18, 19 and 20 extending preferably transversely of the artitions 5 and passages 6, 7 and 8 of the lbwer box section, 1 though it will be understood that if suitable or desirable, the passages and partitions of the upper box section'may extend parallel with those of the lower box section.

In the bottom 15 of the upper box section there-is provided the opening 21, in the passage 18, thereby affording communication between the passage l18 of the -upper box section and the' passage 6 ofthe lower b ox section. Similarly, in the bottom 15, 1n passage 19, is formed the opening v22, affording communication between the passage 19 of the upper box section and the passage'7 of the lower box section. Similarly, in the bottom 15 .is provided the aperture 23 1n channel 20 to afford communication with the channel 8 of the lower box section. At opposite ends of each of the passages 18, 19 and 20 of the upper box section 2, which is open at its top, are provided the side inwardly extending ribs or flanges 24 and the upstanding bottom flanges or ribs 25, spaced from which are the similar ribs or flanges 26 and 27.

Surmounting the upper box section 2 is the member 28, having along two of its opposits sides the downwardly depending anges 29 embracing the upper end of the box 2.

Adjacent its ends the member 28 is provided with elongated recesses or channels 30 adjacent the ribs 31,`Which are disposed substantially in the plane of the ribs 24 and 25 on the box section 2. The channels 30 are in register with the spaces or chambers 32 inthe box member 2, between the ribs 24 and 25 on the one hand, and 26 and 27 on the other hand. The rectangular conduits 33,34 and 35 extend through the opening formed by the ribs or flanges 26, 2 and the cover member-'28 into the cham bers 32, and abut against the ribs or fianges 24, 25 and 31. Threaded through the member 28 are the pointed screws 36 engaging the conduits 33, 34 and 35 and grounding the metallicubox structure to them.' In the chambers 32, around the conduits 33, 34 and 35, maybe applied any suitable cement 37 for holdlng the conduits in place.

face 56 by rotating Bolts'or screws 38 extend through the lugs 39`upon the member 28, through the lugs 40 on the box member 2, and thread into the lugs 41 upon the box'section 1, whereby the members 1, 2 and 28 are securely held or clamped to each other.

The member 28 has the circular opening 42, through which access 'is had to the three passages or channels 18, 19 and 20 of the upper box .section 2. Surrounding the opening 42 is the annular flange 43, spaced from which is the annular flange 44, between which is formed the annular channel or trough 45, into which projects the annular flange 46 of the cover-holding member 47 having the circular opening 48 disposed above `the opening 42 in the member 28. The member 47 has the annular lug 49 and the upstanding annular flange 50. In the bosses 51 are threaded pins or screws 52,

which rest upon the bottom of the trough ber 47 with respect to the fioor surface.'

The circular cover disk or member 53 fits within the fiange 50 of the member 47 and rests upon its annular lug 49, and is secured in position by screws 54 threaded into the lugs 55'on member 47, the upper surface of the cover 53 being preferably flush with the upper surface 56 of the floor.

In the conduits 9, 12 and 13 may be disposed the main or supply circuit conductors, and in the conduits 33, 34 and 35 may be disposed ythe branch or consumption circuit conductors. Or in some one or more of the conduits 9, 12, 13 may be disposed consumption or branch circuit conductors, and in some one or more of the conduits 33, 34 and 35 may be disposed main or supply circuitA conductors.

Generally, however, in the conduits 'at the higher level, such as conduits 33, 34* and 35, will bedisposed the branchv or consumption 'circuit conductors, and outlets therefrom may. .be effected by any suitable means, as for example, the nipples 57, Figs. 2 and 3, threaded into or otherwise secured to the conduits 33, 34`and 35. Threaded upon the' nipple 37 is the bushing 58, which may be adjusted to come flush with the fioor surbushing 58 upon nipple 57. Threadedv into closing member or plug 59, whose upper surface is preferably flush with the fioor surface 56. L

`Asindicated .in Figs. 1 and 2, the floor box, comprising members 1 and 2, may rest upon an unfinished or more surface 60 of an unfinished floor. For example, 60 may be the upper surface of a cement, concrete, tile or other Hoor, or substratum of a floor. The screws 52 or some of them are then adusted to bring the outer faces of the fiange 50 and cover plate 53 or less rough to a level position corresponding with the level 5 6 of the floor When finished. lVith the floor box so in position,'and with the main and branch conduits connected thereto, --there ma?y be filled infupon the sub-- 4ie floor concrete, cement `or.-

stratuni .of t other suitablematerial which flows around the box structure the conduits, and membersv it may be necessary or desirable 'to bend the .main conduits. Aas 9. 12and 13, upwardly,

'as-indicated in Fig. 10, to clear the normal upper surace'BO of the lower floor-stratum.

As .indicated in Fig. 11, there may be laid out over a .floor or unfinished floor -of a building a network of main andj branch conduits, intersections, and the .outlet devices, such as 58 having the closing'plugs' 59.4 'are distributed along the conduits vat predetermined intervals, or. located in the positions in as above described, .by apmaybe finished,

cement or .other material vplying concrete,

envi-bedding the conduits andthe door boxes.' it, may be extend conductors carrying current Vfor electric lights. The branch lighting circuitv couductors will then be Idisposed in thereon# duits 33. To carry the electricl lighting current to anyJ suitable place, the cover-53 of the appropriateiioor box` is removed, there'- by effecting access through theopeningsiS and 52 to the channelv 18`of" the box section 2.` 4'llheyplug 59 of the appropriate outlet is removed, and the branch circuit conductors inserted through the opening intofthe Scon- `duit 33 and fished therethroughto the chan'- nel 18 of `the'upper box'section 2 o the floor box, where they are. then connected with the supplycirouit conductors in the channel 6 of the `bottoi'n box section 1, the opening 21 affordingv 'access to the 'supply circuit conductors for making the connections.

Similarly, through suitable outlet coin. municating with the conduit 34 telephone conductors may be fished therethrough to the channel 19 of the appropriate floor box and connections then made through the opening 22 with the main telephone conductors in the conduit 12. Similarly, from suitable outlet the conductorsof an oilice signal circuit, as. `a buzzer circuit, may be passed through the outlet and through the conduit 35 to the channel'20 of the upper box section of the appropriate floor box and connections thenextended through the opening 23 into the .channel 8 of the lower box secwith thefioor boxes disposed at their- 33, 34 and 35v which it is. previously known that outlets must be had. -Then the floor 'tion 1, in which are disposed the main circuit conductorsextending through the conduit '13.

:What I claim is:

1.- An electrical wiring system comprising a network of main and branch circuit conduits disposed in a wall, boxes in said wall at which the main and branch circuit conduits meet, each of said boxes having -passages disposed in different-planes, sai

main and-branch circuit conduits communi eating with saidY assages indifferent planes,

and means for e Y ecting within the box coinl niunication between passages in diferent planes therein. i 2. An lectrical wiring system comprising a network of main and'branchcircuit conduits disposed in different lanes in a wall, boxes in said wall at 'whic the'V main and branch circuit conduitsmeet, each of said boxes having passages'disposed in different planes', said main and brancheircuit conduits commiinicatingjwith vsaid passages in diiferent planes, and ineens' for effecting within the box communication between passages in different planes therein.-

3. The comb nation with 'a box structure having a plurality'of channels in .each o a plurality of different levels, conduitsconnected with said box structure and communieating, respectively, with dierent channels,

:and means within saidfboxfstructure etlecting communication between the channels in one level and the channels in another level.l

4. The combinationwith a box structure *having Aa plurality of channels in each--of-a plurality of different levels, the-channels in one .level extending ytransverselyto the channels in another level, vconduits connected with said box structure and. communicating, respectively, with the different channels, and

means within-said box-structure ei'ecting communication between the channels infone level and 'thecliannels in another level.

5. The combination with a boxstructure having a plurality of channels in each of a plurality of diierent levels, the channels in one level extending transversely to the channels in another level, conduits connecting with said 'box at 'diii'erent levels and. communicatin with said channels and means within sai box structure eieeting communication between the channels in one level and the channelsin another level.

6...Conduitconneeting box structure com prising superposed box sections'each having a channel, the channels in the different sec-A tions extending transversely to each. other, said channels in the diderent sections at their intersection communicating 'with each other. .i l

7. Conduit-connecting box structure, comprising superposed box sections each having a plurality of channels disposed side by side, the channels in one of said sections extending transversely to the channels in another of said sections, each channel of one section communicating with a channel of the other section at their intersection.

8. Conduit-connecting box structure comprising superposed box sections each having a channel, the channels in the di'erent sections extending transversely to each other,

said channels in the diderent sections at' other section at their intersection, and a pair of conduit sections connecting with opposite ends of each channel and 'communicating with each other through said channel.

10. Conduit-connecting box structure comprising a box section open at its top and havino a channel, a second box section havingl aiottom superposed upon said rst section and having a channel extending transversely to the channel in said first section, said bottom of said second section having an aperture effecting communication between said channels in the different sections at their intersection.

11. Conduit-connecting box structure comprising a box section open'at its top and havino' a channel, a second box section having va lbottom superposed upon said first section and having a channel extending transversely to the channel in said first section,

`said bottom of said second section having an aperture effecting communication between said channels in the different sections at their intersection, and a pair of conduit sections connecting with opposite ends of each Channel and communicating with each other through said channel.

12. Conduit-connecting box structure comprising a box section open at its top and having a plurality of channels disposed side by side, av second box section having a bottom superposed upon said rst section and having a plurality of channels disposed side by side, said bottom of said second section having apertures effecting communication between said channels in the different sections. Y

13. Conduit-connecting box structure comprising a box section open at its to and havin a plurality of channels dispose side by si e, a second boxfs'ection havin a bottom superposed upon said irstsectio'n and havin a plurality of channels disposed side by si e and extending transversely to the channels in said first section, said bottom of said second section having apertures effecting communication between said channels in the diierent sections at their intersections. y

14. Conduit-connecting box structure comprising a box section open at its top and having a plurality of channels disposed side by side, a second box section havin a bottom superposed upon said first section and having a plurality of channels disposed side by side, said bottom of said second section having apertures effecting communication between said channels in the diHerent sections, and a pair of conduit sections connecting with opposite ends of each channel and communicating with each other through said channel.

15. Conduit-connecting box structure comprising a box section open at its top and having a. plurality of channels disposed side by side, a second box section havin a bottom superposed upon said first section and having a plurality of channels disposed side by side and extending transversely to the channels in said first section, said bottom of said second section having apertures effecting communication between said channels in the different sections at their intersections,

and a pair of conduit sections connecting with opposite ends of each channel and communicating with each other through said channel. l

16. Conduit-connecting box structure comprising a box section open at its top and having a plurality of channels disposed side by side, a second box section open at its top and having a bottom superposed upon said irst section and having ya plurality of channels disposed side by side, said bottom of said second section having apertures eiiecting communication between said channels in the different sections, and cover structure for said second box section having an opening aording access to said channels of said second box section and through said apertures in said bottom to the channels in said first box section.

17. An electrical wiring system compris` ing main and branch circuit conduits disposed in a wall, a box in saidwall at which said main and branch circuit conduits meet, said box having a passage disposed in each of different levels and communicating respectively with said main and branch circuit conduits, and means within said box effecting division between said levels and havingan opening for communication between a passage in one level and a passage in another level for effecting Within the box connections between the main and branch circuit conductors.

18. An electrical wiring system comprising main and branch circuit conduits disposed in a Wall," a box in said wall at which said main v,and branch circuit conduits meet,

said box having a passage disposed in each of different levels and k'ccrnmunicatn'g re-1 spcctivel4 with said main alidbranch cirn i cult con u1ts, means w1th1n sand-box effecting division between, said levels and having anopenng for communicaticn between a -m one leveland a( assage in an evel'for effecting' withln the box con passage otherY nections' between thema'n `and branch circuit lconductors, -a wall outlet communicat- 111g level of the assage communicatin with said branch clrcuit conduit being dlsposed adjacent that end ofsaid'boxnearest the surface of the wall. f'

19. Wall boxstructure fer a, concealed conduit ,electrical wiring .system comprisincr 'structure f ormm `a passage in each of di 4ferent levels,an Ayopen at its cpposite ends in opposite sides of saidbox `strcture,`said PaSSag duits at'their` said opposite endJ Y conduit electrical wiring system comprising' 'structure forming a passage in each of difopposite ends in op? structure and exten other and adapted to communicate with con# duits at their opposite ends, `and means 'within said wall es adapted tc communicatel with conwithin said wall box structure e munication betweenapassage` in o ne level and a vas'sa in another level. 20g. all x structure for aconcealed ferent levelsysald. passages open. at their o site sides fof said lbox 1 ng transversely! to each box structure cecting communicatlon between a passa e 1n one vlevel anda assage 1n another leve .A

21., undertloor wiring system for a plu# `rality of electric services cf dite'rentrchargice, 'the conduits of Teach-.group acters, comprising a plurality of groups of conduits, each group accommodating the conductors of one character of electric servl"extending transversely of 'each otheran box 'struc- -ture at which the conduitsof the several groups meet, said box structure'having a vplurality of separate pass 'ges in eachv of diierent levels, the passages m the different levelsl extending transverselyfof each other conduits of t tending passages for each ou "duits communicating with eac ot er within with a branchcircuit conduit, and the `box,.and at each of sai land means ectmg 'com-v and extending c said box. c

22. An underioor wiring system for a. plurality cf electric services of d iierent characters, com rising a plurality of substantially vparal el conduits for accomm0- dating, respectively, the-.conductors of the different characters of service, a plurality of boxes spaced fromeach otherlongitudinally completely therethrough and connecting,- with said conduits on opposite sides of said boxesl "a v plurality of j transversely extendin conduits for accommodating, respective y, conductors of lsaiddilerent charactersy of service, means 'in leach of said boxes" forming independent assages extending completely I trans-verse through sai box and disposed in a level of said conduits, means' forming a plurality 'of separate passages in each box extending different from said first named passages and connecting, respectivel with said transversely .extending con uits, yand meansin each of said b oxcsi-fcrming ccmmunlcation between those passages in dliferentzlevels which are associated with the conduits-'for i one of said characters of service.v

23. In an underiioor wirmg system, box

structure havinr a plurality of channels 1n each of a pluralit channels inthe 'Herent levels extending transversely to each other 'andfcompletel r through said box, nduits connected wit said box structure and communicating, respectively, with the differentchannels 1n the different levels, a channel in one level communicating with a channel inthe other level,

and a" singleopeninl in said box structure through which'is a ordedfac'cess to all the channels in the different levels.

EDWARD E. ASHLEY, Jn;

.ofdierent levels, said 

